Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a patient whose diagnosis of multiple myeloma is being treated with bortezomib. The nurse should assess for what adverse effect of this treatment?

• A. Stomatitis
• B. Nephropathy
• C. Cognitive changes
• D. Peripheral neuropathy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Peripheral neuropathy. Bortezomib, used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, is known to cause peripheral neuropathy as a significant adverse effect. Stomatitis (Choice A), which is inflammation of the mouth and lips, is not a common adverse effect of bortezomib. Nephropathy (Choice B), referring to kidney disease, is not a typical adverse effect of bortezomib. Cognitive changes (Choice C) are not a commonly reported adverse effect of bortezomib treatment.

2. A client receiving chemotherapy is experiencing severe nausea and vomiting. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer antiemetics 30 minutes before chemotherapy.
• B. Offer small, frequent meals that are bland and easy to digest.
• C. Encourage the client to rest after meals to reduce nausea.
• D. Instruct the client to use relaxation techniques.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antiemetics 30 minutes before chemotherapy. Administering antiemetics before chemotherapy is crucial to prevent nausea rather than treating it after it occurs. This proactive approach helps in minimizing the side effects. Choice B, offering small, frequent meals, can be beneficial but is not the first intervention for severe nausea and vomiting. Choice C, encouraging rest after meals, may help but is not the priority when the client is experiencing severe symptoms. Choice D, instructing the client to use relaxation techniques, is not the first-line intervention for severe nausea and vomiting in a client receiving chemotherapy.

3. A patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is undergoing chemotherapy and develops neutropenia. What is the most important nursing intervention for this patient?

• A. Administering antipyretics
• B. Restricting visitors
• C. Maintaining a sterile environment
• D. Administering prophylactic antibiotics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to prevent infection in neutropenic patients.

4. A nurse is creating a plan of care for an oncology patient and one of the identified nursing diagnoses is risk for infection related to myelosuppression. What intervention addresses the leading cause of infection-related death in oncology patients?

• A. Encourage several small meals daily.
• B. Provide skin care to maintain skin integrity.
• C. Assist the patient with hygiene, as needed.
• D. Assess the integrity of the patient’s oral mucosa regularly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In oncology patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, myelosuppression (the decrease in bone marrow activity that leads to reduced white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets) increases the risk of infection. Maintaining skin integrity is crucial because the skin acts as the body's first line of defense against infections. If the skin becomes compromised, such as through radiation burns, rashes, or breakdowns, it provides a potential entry point for pathogens, increasing the risk of infection. Since infections in oncology patients can quickly become severe due to their weakened immune systems, maintaining skin integrity is a critical intervention to reduce infection risk, especially for patients who are immunosuppressed.

5. Nurse Joy is caring for a client with cancer who has been receiving cisplatin (Platinol-AQ). Which laboratory result requires an intervention by the nurse?

• A. White blood cell count of 6000 cells/microL
• B. Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
• C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 18 mg/dL
• D. Platelet count of 150,000 cells/microL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A BUN level of 18 mg/dL is within the normal range; however, since cisplatin is nephrotoxic, it requires close monitoring. Elevated BUN levels can indicate impaired kidney function. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly relate to cisplatin therapy or require immediate intervention.

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